So you know what? I'm going to combine it all. Surprisingly, there's a lot of sports views running amok throughout my otherwise fairly barren mind, and this is an outlet of release. So without further adieu, let's tackle all that is relevant in the world of sports.
Despite the odds, the Boston Celtics keep Winning
It's safe to say the boys in green have our attention. A stunning, come from behind victory over Eastern Conference favorite Indiana leaves the Celtics (and their fans) riding high. There's a multitude of impressive feats about this victory, so it's tough to really judge where to start.
Going into this game, the Celtics were 11-18 on the road. The 2nd night of a road back to back against a tall, athletic, well rested Pacers team spelled trouble for a depleted Celtics roster. For the most part it did look to be trouble. The Pacers led by as much as 13, but per usual, the Celtics fought their way back. Doc Rivers drew up a fantastic play to get the last shot and the rest is history.
What's potentially most frustrating, outside of the fact this is all getting done without a top-5 point guard, are the cliches. This year promotes inexplicable moments, and in order to describe what simply does not make sense to the common basketball mind, we fill empty space with cliches. This is a "winning team." They have characteristics such as heart, grit, determination. We want to make it the classic underdog story. And as much as I search for tangible, statistical reasons to prove why the Celtics are sustaining such effective play, it's increasingly easier to simply attribute it to something intangible, something we can't prove.
And honestly, I think I'm alright with that. Some things are better left unexplained, and I'd be more than happy to immerse myself with every positive, David vs. Goliath story line.
But the real loser in this situation? Rajon Rondo. He's worked so hard to become a better leader and a better player, but as soon as he goes down the Celtics seemingly flip the switch. Not only is this demoralizing, but it also may begin to diminish his value. Rondo's contract status continues to be a focus of discussion, and if the Celtics continue to improve and win without him, what is his true worth to the franchise? Is he a centerpiece (another cliche, I know), or simply a talented facilitator?
PS. Don't look now, but the Celtics are quickly going from potentially entering the playoffs as the 7 or 8 seed to sneaking in to the 4th seed. Just 1.5 games back of Brooklyn.
What in the world is Happening with Wes Welker?
Patriots fans know what Wes Welker can contribute to this team. Excluding 2010, Welker's gone over 1,000 yards each year and remains Tom Brady's most reliable target. Gimmick offense or not, the effectiveness of Welker within this offense cannot be matched elsewhere.
He's also 31 (32 when the season starts) coming off a season where he led the league in drops with 15. He was also targeted a league-high 174 times, and took an absolute beating for long stretches of the year, so take that for what it's worth.
There's also been reports that Welker had "mild disdain" for the Patriots after the early-season controversy surrounding his playing time, a report from Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports. Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe confirmed this report, going as far to say there was more than mild disdain at one point, but it's been cleared up for the most part.
I have no clue what goes on in that locker room, nor do I pretend to comprehend what goes on between the ears of Bill Belichick. All I can judge is what I see, and what my eyes see and what my heart says are two different things. So many fans base their opinions off their emotional endearment to Welker. Surely he can't leave, we love Wes! Right? Right?
Well, maybe not. If Welker's main motive is to be valued as a top-tier wide receiver, feel free to chase the money elsewhere. Belichick's been known to say that an increasing drop total for a receiver indicates their legs are showing signs of slowing down due to high mileage. At 32 years old, it's fair to assume Welker will begin to slip athletically, even if ever-so-slightly. At this rate, a three-year deal would be risky business.
Conversely, Welker also begins to have the "Kevin Garnett" effect. His value to the Patriots is superior to anyone else, and his ability to withstand cringe-worthy physical abuse captivates the hearts of Patriots nation. Justifiably, the Patriots need Welker's production, but Welker also needs Tom Brady and this quick-timing offense as well. Does he risk leaving to chase the dollars, where his best chance to produce and win a championship is most likely in New England?
I think Welker will be back. But I also think the debate over his worth is a precursor to a slight drop off in his production moving forward. That doesn't necessarily reflect on Welker as much as it does a philosophical shift. Having Welker has a safety blanket and a 3rd-down conversion machine is fantastic, but moving forward, I question whether he should be the primary target of the offense.
Tough Times in New York
Alright Yankees fans, I'm going to let you in on a little secret I've learned over the past two seasons of watching Red Sox baseball.
Injuries suck.
Unfortunately, the injury bug does not operate independently. It attacks like a tidal wave, infiltrating your locker room and claiming multiple casualties. This seems to be no different in New York, where an already thin roster now faces it's limits already in early March.
As of now, Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson will both put their season debuts on hold until at least late May, most likely early June. Alex Rodriguez already hit the rehab trail, attempting to return from a serious hip injury which will sideline him until mid-summer. Yankees fans have yet to see Derek Jeter, who hopes to make his spring debut soon as he continues to rehab from a fractured ankle at the age of 38. Oh, and their 43 year old closer Mariano Rivera returns from an ACL tear, C.C Sabathia is attempting to return from injury, and there's unconfirmed rumors of potential steroid controversy looming around New York.
Are you having fun yet, New York?
Somehow, in a crazy twist of narrative and irony, the Yankees $12 million man Kevin Youkilis will suddenly be asked to anchor the middle of a lineup for at least the first two months of the season. Travis Hafner, the newest injury-prone, aging slugger to fill the Yankees DH role, goes from "added production is a bonus" to "we're relying on you." The other members of the lineup forced to carry Robinson Cano and Jeter? Brett Gardner, Ichiro, Eduardo Nunez, Dan Johnson, and Francisco Cervelli.
Times are changing in the A.L East.
What's in the Water in Chicago?
You do understand it's alright to lose, right? In fact, we'd suggest it, as you're making us look bad.
Sincerely,
The Rest of the NHL
A clutch goal by Daniel Carcillo and multiple big games from Patrick Kane extend the NHL's most improbable streak. Hockey fans who happen to watch ESPN can thank the Blackhawks, who's dabble into history has left ESPN executives no choice but to cover at least a pinch of NHL. It's practically pulling teeth to get any kind of ice to show up on Sportscenter, unless it's an ice sculpture of Tim Tebow.
On an unrelated note, how creepy are the Allstate commercials where Dennis Haysburt voices over other characters talking? I can do without seeing 9 year old girls and middle-aged women with Haysburt-esque vocal chords, Allstate. Thanks.
Good Luck, Ryan
Bittersweet news from Fort Myers yesterday, as former Red Sox top-prospect Ryan Westmoreland announced his retirement at the age of 22.
Westmoreland's faced the daunting challenge of recovering from two brain surgeries, the second of which resulted in a complication while rehabbing from his first surgery. Following Westmoreland from afar, his progress made has been an inspiration from everyone. At one point, he was unable to walk and normal day-to-day life seemed like a distant dream.
But Westmoreland battled back, progressing so much he eventually returned to baseball activities before a setback resulted in a second surgery.
It's sad to see such a promising career derailed, but what's more important is Ryan's overall health. He's been dealt multiple tough hands so far in his young life, and has looked adversity in the eyes and overcome it. Well wishes to him, as he returns to schoo to get his degree and hopefully return to baseball in another capacity.
Got a question you want to talk about? Comments, criticism, concerns? I enjoyed doing this, and this may become a periodic type of "installment" for me, and I'd love to answer any questions or share an outside opinion when talking about what's relevant in the world of sports.
Feel free to drop a comment, or find me on social media @Mark_Chiarelli or Mark Chiarelli on Facebook.
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